ekes... as an old person , in my early seventies. I can relate to this.. I too don't like old people with a few exceptions.. my grandmother although she grew very frail , and very old, always had a sweetness about her that I can't seem to master...Lavinia seems so much more prickly.... the type one more often encounters...it seems you have captured her spirit.. I can't image at age 45 visiting an old woman who is a stranger... but think you must be quite exceptional ...as is your writing..
Thank you for this poignant posting, Richard. My own mother is a little older than Lavinia. I often shop for her and a number of other people do as well. The grocery shop owner sometimes asks me as she is doing. Last week, she was able to go do her shopping by herself with her brother who drove her. The grocery store owner had not seen her in many months and they were both happy to see each other. Funny how what used to be simple activities can turn into an important moment of your day. I liked your conversation with Lavinia and the picture very much.
Yes! May not make the after party. I've been sick with respiratory thing, and cough like a banshee in the later evening. Pain in the ass, but am looking forward to seeing you!
This hits too close to home. It's hard to learn how to be 79 or 87, but we don't remember how hard it was to be 3 months, or 3 years or 13, do we? Thanks for Lavinia. Happy Valentine's Day.
What a great program. I hope they still have it, though we’d be on the other side of the visit now. It’s actually the unexpected gift of teaching writing : the privilege of having older students and hearing their stories. It’s certainly enriched my life, as did todays entry, Richard. And on Valentines Day! Thanks, Richard.
Lovely Richard. Love the way you caught Lavinia with the dialogue. Funny how well we remember thing 35 years ago, but can't remember what we had for breakfast... I love reading your newsletter, long may you continue..
Here’s the thing. I don’t know how old you are, but I’m 83 and most of my friends are in their early 80s or late 70s and not a one of us would need someone to go shopping for us. Mind you, two of us are in facilities with Parkinson’s, and we all have various and sundry “issues”, but, as they say, whoever they is, the 80s are the new 60s. I know that’s not the point of the article. I guess it shows how, at least for some of us, times have changed.
ekes... as an old person , in my early seventies. I can relate to this.. I too don't like old people with a few exceptions.. my grandmother although she grew very frail , and very old, always had a sweetness about her that I can't seem to master...Lavinia seems so much more prickly.... the type one more often encounters...it seems you have captured her spirit.. I can't image at age 45 visiting an old woman who is a stranger... but think you must be quite exceptional ...as is your writing..
Thanks, Susan. I'm up there with you--just trying to figure it out!
Charming piece!
Thanks!
A nice, somewhat sad story. As always, beautifully narrated.
Thank you, Marina!
Thank you for this poignant posting, Richard. My own mother is a little older than Lavinia. I often shop for her and a number of other people do as well. The grocery shop owner sometimes asks me as she is doing. Last week, she was able to go do her shopping by herself with her brother who drove her. The grocery store owner had not seen her in many months and they were both happy to see each other. Funny how what used to be simple activities can turn into an important moment of your day. I liked your conversation with Lavinia and the picture very much.
Thank you so much, Olivier! Your comments are always uplifting. I'll see you tonight!
You're coming to the show!? That's exciting! Can't wait to see you.
Yes! May not make the after party. I've been sick with respiratory thing, and cough like a banshee in the later evening. Pain in the ass, but am looking forward to seeing you!
This hits too close to home. It's hard to learn how to be 79 or 87, but we don't remember how hard it was to be 3 months, or 3 years or 13, do we? Thanks for Lavinia. Happy Valentine's Day.
Thank you, Judy. I'm trying hard to figure it out. Don't know if that's possible!
A wonderful and beautifully told story. Thank you 🙏
Thank you, Kathryn!
What a grand idea to match the young and old together--- to the benefit of both. Your descriptions of your "date" make me feel I was there.
Thanks, Elizabeth!
What a great program. I hope they still have it, though we’d be on the other side of the visit now. It’s actually the unexpected gift of teaching writing : the privilege of having older students and hearing their stories. It’s certainly enriched my life, as did todays entry, Richard. And on Valentines Day! Thanks, Richard.
I couldn't agree more, Charles. I always loved having older students in my workshops!
Lovely Richard. Love the way you caught Lavinia with the dialogue. Funny how well we remember thing 35 years ago, but can't remember what we had for breakfast... I love reading your newsletter, long may you continue..
Thank you so much, Nicholas. I'm so glad you like the newsletter.
Here’s the thing. I don’t know how old you are, but I’m 83 and most of my friends are in their early 80s or late 70s and not a one of us would need someone to go shopping for us. Mind you, two of us are in facilities with Parkinson’s, and we all have various and sundry “issues”, but, as they say, whoever they is, the 80s are the new 60s. I know that’s not the point of the article. I guess it shows how, at least for some of us, times have changed.
I'm very glad you are not in need of assistance shopping. I'm 79. I don't need any help, either. But Lavinia did.
You’re absolutely right. I didn’t mean my comment to sound the way it apparently does.
It's fine. I get it. Some of us are luckier than others, and for that we're blessed.